Governor DeWine Press Conference Summary for Tuesday, May 5

Below are the updates from yesterday’s press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Dr. Acton. There is currently no press conference scheduled for today. The normal press conference schedule will resume on Thursday.    

Here’s the news from Tuesday: 

• Ohio’s COVID-19 case data is below:
• 20,072 confirmed cases
• 897 probable cases  
• 20,969 total cases
• 3,956 hospitalizations
• 1,038 confirmed deaths
• 97 probable deaths
• 1,135 total deaths
• 1,123 ICU admissions
• More data is available on the COVID-19 Dashboard HERE. 

• Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, Governor DeWine today announced $775 million in reductions to Ohio's General Revenue Fund for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 which ends on June 30. At the end of February and prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, state revenues for the fiscal year were ahead of estimates by over $200 million. As of the end of April, Ohio's revenues were below the budgeted estimates by $776.9 million. 

• Because Ohio is mandated to balance its budget each year, and in addition to identifying areas of savings, the following budget reductions will be made for the next two months:

• Medicaid:  $210 million
• K12 Foundation Payment Reduction:  $300 million
• Other Education Budget Line Items:  $55 million
• Higher Education:  $110 million
• All Other Agencies:  $100 million 

• The budget reductions are in addition to Governor DeWine's March 23 directive to freeze hiring, new contracts, pay increases, and promotions at all state agencies, boards, and commissions. The new budget reductions will not apply to critical services available to Ohioans or COVID-19 pandemic services. Money to balance the Fiscal Year 2020 budget will not be drawn from Ohio's Budget Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the "rainy-day fund." 

• Projections by Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) Director Kim Murnieks indicate that the state’s revenues will continue to be below estimates in the coming months as Ohio moves through the COVID-19 crisis. Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Director Murnieks will continue to work with the Ohio General Assembly to identify ways to continue supporting Ohio’s economy through the COVID-19 crisis. 

• Attached are the following documents: information for children with special healthcare needs, guidance on Ohio travel, checklist for businesses and employers, and a guide for businesses that are preparing to open. 

• Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.

 As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions.